Amsterdam: Open Boat Canal Cruise with Drinks & Live Guide

Summary

Float past Amsterdam’s canal houses and bridges with stories and laughter

You’ll feel Amsterdam shift beneath you as you float quietly through its canals on an open electric boat. Listen to your guide’s stories, sip two included drinks (beer, wine or soda), and catch glimpses of places like Anne Frank House and Magere Brug from a new angle. It’s relaxed, sometimes funny, always real — you might find yourself wishing it lasted longer.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the city to feel so different from the water. We hopped onto this open boat near the Hermitage Museum — just a handful of us, not one of those big glass-topped things. Our guide, Jeroen, grinned and handed me a beer (I could’ve had wine or soda, but honestly, it felt like a beer kind of afternoon). The motor was so quiet I kept forgetting we were moving, except for the soft slap of water against the hull. It smelled faintly like rain even though the sky was clear — I guess that’s just Amsterdam in spring.

Jeroen pointed out all sorts of things I’d never have noticed walking around: little crooked windows on Herengracht, bikes chained to railings in impossible places, someone playing accordion on a bridge above us. He told us about the Jordaan neighborhood and how some houseboats have been floating here for generations. At one point we drifted under the Skinny Bridge — he called it Magere Brug — and everyone ducked instinctively even though there was plenty of space. There was this moment where nobody said anything, just watched light flicker across the water and old brick walls. I still think about that view.

We passed by spots like Anne Frank House and the Red Light District (De Wallen), but not in an awkward touristy way — more like, “Here’s what locals actually think.” Someone asked about Dutch cheese (of course), and Jeroen laughed, saying he prefers stroopwafels anyway. The drinks helped everyone loosen up; by halfway through people were swapping stories about their own cities. The route changed a bit because of construction — apparently that happens a lot — but it didn’t matter. Honestly, I’m glad we weren’t on rails or anything too rigid.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise with live guide

• Depart in front of Hermitage Museum
• Cruise through Amstel River
• Pass Dutch National Opera & Ballet
• Pass Amsterdam Red Light District
• Pass Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
• Pass Herengracht canal
• Pass Prinsengracht canal
• Pass Ice Bar Amsterdam
• Pass Boerejongens
• Pass The Jordaan neighborhood
• Pass The Cat Cabinet
• Pass Amsterdam Cheese Museum
• Pass Cromhout House
• Pass Huis Bartolotti
• Pass Westerkerk and Westertoren
• Pass Houseboat Museum
• Pass Amsterdam Canal Ring
• Pass Spiegelkwartier
• Pass Rokin street
• Pass Equestrian Statue of Queen Wilhelmina
• Pass The Bulldog
• Pass Our Lord in the Attic Museum
• Pass Brouwerij de Prael
• Pass Weeping Tower
• Pass NEMO Science Museum
• Pass National Maritime Museum
• Pass Arcam
• Pass Waterlooplein Market
• Pass Hortus Botanicus
• Pass Montelbaanstoren
• Pass Leprozenpoort
• Pass Rembrandt House Museum
• Pass Anne Frank House
• Enjoy two drinks on board

Top questions

Where does the Amsterdam open boat cruise start?

The cruise departs in front of the Hermitage Museum.

How long is the canal cruise?

The tour lasts about 1 hour.

Are drinks included on this Amsterdam canal cruise?

Yes, two drinks are included—choose from beer, wine, soda, coffee or tea.

Is there a toilet available on board?

Yes, there is a toilet on board the boat.

What if it rains during the cruise?

If it rains or weather is bad, umbrellas are provided or a covered boat may be used.

Is this cruise suitable for families with children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or in strollers.

Does the route always include Anne Frank House?

The route may vary due to traffic or construction; Anne Frank House is often included but not guaranteed every time.

Are pets allowed?

Service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

Your hour-long day trip includes an open boat canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic center with live commentary from your guide. You’ll get two drinks—beer, wine, soda, coffee or tea—and there’s a toilet available onboard for comfort throughout your journey.